How to Qualify for Medicaid in Idaho

Medicaid is a government and state funded medical program for people and families with low income. It is not automatic coverage, as people have to pass eligibility requirements to receive benefits. Once benefits are conferred on eligible participants, they have access to free and low cost health care. Since individual states fund Medicaid, they set the rules for eligibility and medical services all the while abiding by the overall rules of the Medicaid program established by Congress. This is why no two states will have the same criteria for enrolling in Medicaid. Idaho offers the standard state plan for most that enter the program. This package gives minimum benefits. The other three packages Idaho offers are the basic plan (low income children and their families), enhanced plan (people with disabilities) and the Medicare/Medicaid plan (for those who have both Medicare and Medicaid.

Instructions

• 1

  Start the process for eligibility by providing your name, address and signature on the application for assistance. Print this application form off the Idaho Medicaid webpage or you get a copy from the Health and Welfare Office in your vicinity. Once these pieces of information are provided, return the form to your local Health and Welfare Office.

• 2

  To qualify for Medicaid you must meet basic eligibility requirements which depend on your income, household income, resources and citizen and immigration status. You must be an American citizen and a legal non-citizen. Then you have to prove your Idaho residency. Undocumented workers are only covered during emergencies.

• 3

  For the qualification process, you must have the following documents for yourself and other members of your family including your proof of identity, proof of citizenship, most recent income, proof of assets, child support, housing costs and child care expenses.

• 4

  Children, pregnant women, parents of low income children and the elderly are eligible. If they meet the criteria their families will be covered along with them.

• 5

  Acceptance is at the discretion of the Idaho Health and Welfare department. The rule of thumb is, the lower your annual income, the better chance you have to qualify for Medicaid.

• 6

  Even if you do not qualify for Medicaid there is a possibility that you can qualify through the Idaho State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). If you have children less than 19 years of age and meet further income requirements, then you and your family will be covered. Each child covered under this plan will cost $10-$15 dollars a month.

• 7

  For more information contact the Idaho Health and Welfare Department. This link contains all the appropriate contact information (http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/ContactUs/tabid/127/Default.aspx).